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How Blue Nile Keeps Costs Down While Offering Ethical, High-Quality Engagement Rings And Jewelry To Suit All Kinds Of Customers

Benzinga

By Mangeet Kaur Bouns In the ever-evolving landscape of fine jewelry, Blue Nile has emerged as a premier destination for those seeking not only quality and good craftsmanship, but also transparency and ethical sourcing. As the wedding bells ring louder in the post-pandemic world, Blue Nile has positioned itself to cater to the increased demand for engagement rings and fine jewelry. Unwavering Commitment To Quality And Ethical Practices At the heart of Blue Nile's philosophy is a staunch commitment to quality and ethical sourcing. The brand takes pride in its high-quality diamonds and gemstones, which come from suppliers who strictly adhere to ethical and environmental standards. This commitment not only caters to the judicious buyer, but also appeals to those who prioritize sustainability in their purchases. In addition to natural diamonds, the company boasts an impressive collection of lab-grown diamonds. These gems, certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), are chemically and optically identical to their natural counterparts and offer a more affordable, ethical and sustainable alternative without compromising quality or beauty. Empowering Consumers Through Education Blue Nile's strategy extends beyond direct sales – it is a pioneer in consumer education within the jewelry sector. The company's detailed guides on the "Four Cs" of diamonds – cut, color, clarity and carat weight – equip customers with the knowledge to make informed purchasing decisions. This educational approach fosters a transparent relationship with customers, enhancing their confidence and trust, which is crucial in an industry often clouded by complexity. This approach sets Blue Nile apart from its competitors. Revolutionizing Jewelry Shopping With Technology, Convenience And Customization Since being founded in 1999, Blue Nile has been at the forefront of combining technology with traditional jewelry retail. The company’s online platform is designed for optimal user experience, offering detailed product descriptions, high-resolution images and interactive design tools. These features make it easy for customers to find and customize their perfect piece of jewelry from the comfort of their homes. For customers who prefer a more hands-on shopping experience, Blue Nile has also integrated physical showrooms across the U.S. These showrooms complement the online experience, allowing customers to see, touch and feel the jewelry before making a purchase, thus bridging the gap between online and in-store shopping. The brand’s commitment to customer service is also evident in its round-the-clock support offered via phone, live chat and email, ensuring that help is always available. This level of service, provided by non-commissioned experts, is instrumental in ensuring that every customer interaction is personalized and reassuring, making the purchasing process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. The company’s engagement with customers extends beyond direct service channels. Blue Nile actively utilizes social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to connect with clients – offering updates, engaging content and responsive customer service that caters to the digital habits of modern consumers. Moreover, the company enhances customer satisfaction through a flexible 30-day return or exchange policy, accommodating the needs and preferences of its diverse client base. For those seeking a highly personalized shopping experience, Blue Nile offers scheduled virtual appointments. Customers can engage with personal jewelers in a virtual showroom setting, which features a sophisticated studio equipped with multiple cameras that showcase each jewelry piece from various angles – providing a detailed and interactive viewing experience akin to an in-person consultation. Customization stands at the forefront of Blue Nile's service offerings. The company provides a vast array of customization options, allowing customers to select the ideal diamond, setting and metal type. This flexibility makes it possible to design distinct and meaningful engagement rings or other jewelry pieces that perfectly align with personal tastes. This emphasis on personalized jewelry is a cornerstone of Blue Nile’s mission, reflecting its dedication to helping customers craft not just jewelry but also memories. Competitive Pricing Without Compromise Operating predominantly online, Blue Nile can offer competitive pricing without compromising quality. By minimizing the overhead costs associated with traditional physical outlets, the company is able to offer an extensive range of premium jewelry at more accessible price points. This cost-effective model enhances affordability and broadens its appeal, increasing access to fine jewelry in a way many traditional jewelers may not be able to match. Offering Quality With Convenience In A Resurging Post-COVID Wedding Market The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the wedding industry, leading to widespread postponements and cancellations as global restrictions took hold. During 2020, the earliest phase of the pandemic, the number of weddings in the U.S. plummeted to nearly 1.7 million, marking the lowest figure recorded since 1963. However, as the world has begun to recover and restrictions have eased, the wedding sector is witnessing a rebound. The most recent data from the CDC indicates a notable recovery. Approximately 2.1 million weddings occurred in 2022, surpassing about 2 million registered in 2019 during the pre-pandemic period. The global wedding ring market is poised for growth amid this revival. Straits Research projects this market to reach $132.6 billion by 2032, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is expected to be driven by the increase in weddings and evolving consumer preferences for unique and custom wedding jewelry. Blue Nile is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this growth and cater to the needs of its customers as the wedding industry continues to flourish post-pandemic. Click here to learn more about Blue Nile and the collection of jewelry they offer. Featured photo by Tom The Photographer on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

May 23, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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EuroPacific Metals Unveils Promising Assay Results from Miguel Vacas Mine Area Drill Program

Europacific Metals Inc

EuroPacific Metals CEO Karim Rayani joined Steve Darling from Proactive to to reveal the initial assay findings from the ongoing 2024 exploration program at the Miguel Vacas mine area in Portugal's Alentejo region. Rayani shared that the assay results from the first drill hole exceeded expectations, validating previous core observations. The hole yielded impressive results, with a continuous intercept of 22.8 meters grading 2.76% copper, including a highly promising section of 9.0 meters grading 7.49% copper. Notably, the drill hole was strategically placed near the southern boundary of the former open pit and aimed to corroborate findings from a previous hole drilled by Colt in 2015. Moreover, the recent drill hole intercepted a broad mineralized interval characterized by copper secondary minerals within a wide polyphase breccia/shear zone. The assay results indicate significantly improved outcomes compared to previous findings at a similar depth, indicating the potential for substantial mineralization in the area. EuroPacific Metals' 2024 drill program, currently midway through its 1,500-meter campaign, is primarily focused on defining a shallow open pit resource of oxide copper mineralization suitable for recovery through hydrometallurgical methods. Future plans include step-out drilling to assess the sulphide-rich portion of the deposit below the oxidized blanket. Sulphides in this region predominantly comprise chalcopyrite and pyrite, representing the primary ore minerals. With these promising assay results and ongoing exploration efforts, EuroPacific Metals is positioned to unlock the full potential of the Miguel Vacas mine area and advance its strategic objectives in the Alentejo region. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

May 23, 2024 08:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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European Green Transition announces deal to acquire prospective carbon credit project in Ireland

European Green Transition PLC

European Green Transition co-founder and non-executive director Cathal Friel joined Proactive's Stephen Gunnion with details of an exclusive option agreement to investigate the potential to develop a peatland carbon sink programme at the Altan farm in Donegal, Ireland. European Green Transitioin has taken an option on roughly 1,370 acres of peatland at Altan aimed at generating carbon credits by rewetting the land, which will allow it to monetise these credits. Friel emphasised that this method is less capital-intensive and has significant growth potential. The company's approach involves front-loading work and sharing revenue with landowners rather than purchasing land outright. This scalable model is expected to produce revenue in the first year and EBITDA by the second year. Friel highlighted the environmental benefits and the potential for substantial revenue generation through carbon trading. Following EGT's IPO in April, Friel noted the company's aim to double its share price within the first year and triple it within 18 months. Currently, the share price has already increased by 68% since the IPO. Contact Details Proactive UK +44 20 7989 0813 UKEditorial@proactiveinvestors.com

May 23, 2024 07:33 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Greatland Gold Expands Exploration Portfolio with Mount Egerton Acquisition in Western Australia

Greatland Gold PLC

Greatland Gold Managing Director Shaun Day joined Steve Darling from Proactive to unveil the company's latest acquisition in Western Australia. Greatland Gold has successfully identified and acquired the Mount Egerton tenement, driven by extensive tectonic structural reviews conducted by its exploration team. Situated in the northern region of Western Australia, adjacent to the Patterson and Yukon areas, Mount Egerton exhibits promising potential for gold and copper deposits. Leveraging their advanced understanding of geophysics and tectonics, Greatland Gold secured the tenement at minimal cost, covering only the application fee. Mount Egerton represents a largely unexplored territory for gold, presenting a distinctive opportunity for Greatland Gold to uncover untapped mineral resources. The company intends to accelerate the exploration process by leveraging existing indigenous land use agreements, facilitating swift and efficient exploration activities. Initial exploration efforts at Mount Egerton will involve desktop reviews and ground sampling, leveraging cost-effective and efficient methodologies. This strategic move aligns seamlessly with Greatland Gold's overarching strategy to actively pursue exploration opportunities and unlock high-value prospects. Day emphasized the strategic significance of the Mount Egerton acquisition, strategically located south of the company's existing operations in the Patterson area and Panorama tenements. This expansion reinforces Greatland Gold's steadfast focus on the Pilbara crater region and underscores its commitment to enhancing its exploration portfolio with promising opportunities. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

May 23, 2024 07:21 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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YCloud Enhances WhatsApp Business Integration with New Tools for Marketing and Customer Support

Rev Up Marketers

YCloud, a leading service provider specializing in leveraging WhatsApp for business, announces the enhancement of its marketing, sales, and customer support tools. Headquartered in Singapore, YCloud’s core offerings now include a suite of tools designed for seamless WhatsApp integration, enabling businesses to send bulk messages, automate customer interactions with bots, and manage customer relationships through a comprehensive CRM platform. YCloud has recently launched the Click to WhatsApp ads (CTWA) service, which allows users to initiate WhatsApp conversations directly from ads on platforms like Facebook or Instagram. This new feature eliminates the need for a landing page, shortening user journeys and boosting ad conversions. "We believe WhatsApp represents one of the most essential channels for business-customer interactions. In the future, YCloud aims to be a fully automated marketing platform, providing end-to-end services. This includes not just marketing and customer service interactions but also leveraging AI to facilitate transactions such as shopping, ordering, and payment within WhatsApp," said Dylan, Founder of YCloud. YCloud offers a comprehensive platform for marketing, sales, and customer support via WhatsApp. Their services include: WhatsApp API Campaigns Chatbot Contact Management Inbox Growth Tools YCloud’s services are designed to be user-friendly, allowing businesses to integrate and utilize their solutions without extensive technical knowledge. For more information, please visit their website. About YCloud: YCloud is a WhatsApp business service provider committed to helping enterprises achieve business growth using WhatsApp. Headquartered in Singapore, they operate globally, covering many countries and providing multilingual service and support. The platform offers users flexible solutions and personalized services. Contact Details YCLOUD INTERNATIONAL PTE.LTD. Ace Liu liuyupeng@ycloud.com Company Website https://www.ycloud.com/zh

May 23, 2024 03:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Tuktu Care Inc. Scales On-Demand Platform to Revolutionize Senior Care to Ontario

Rev Up Marketers

Tuktu Care Inc., a three year old Canadian startup that started in British Columbia, is revolutionizing senior care with its cutting-edge on-demand platform to meet the challenges posed by Canada's rapidly aging population. Tuktu Care Inc. provides accessible and affordable care solutions for seniors across Canada. Tuktu Care Inc. has developed a platform that bridges the gap between the growing demand for senior care and the limited availability of services. By adopting advanced technology, Tuktu Care connects seniors with caregivers and essential services, safeguarding they receive the support they need, when they need it, at an affordable price. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and flexible, providing a wide range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of the senior community. Founded with a vision to reinvent community-based care, Tuktu Care is leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to create a platform that is not only efficient but highly personalized. "Our mission is to ensure that every senior in Canada has access to the care they need, tailored to their individual preferences and requirements," says Rustam Sengupta, CEO of Tuktu Care. "We're using cutting-edge technology to disrupt traditional care models and foster a more connected and compassionate society." The platform's AI algorithms analyze user data to match seniors with caregivers who are suited to their needs, bolstering a level of personalization that sets Tuktu Care apart. This technology-driven approach streamlines operations and leads to more satisfied customers and improved care outcomes. Tuktu Care offers a comprehensive range of services, from companionship and personal care to specialized support for conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's. The flexibility of the platform allows seniors to receive the care they need in the comfort of their own homes, promoting independence and well-being. Laurie Lathem, VP of Growth at Tuktu Care, emphasizes the potential of the platform to reach underserved populations. "Our technology and community-driven approach enable us to connect with large groups of people, especially those in remote or disadvantaged areas. This is just the beginning; we're committed to expanding our reach and impact." As Tuktu Care continues to grow, its focus remains on improving the lives of seniors and their families. With plans to expand further into the United States and beyond, the company is poised to become a global leader in on-demand senior care. For more information, visit www.tuktu.ca or download the Tuktu Care app. About Tuktu Care Inc.: Tuktu started with a single promise of bringing people closer. They believe that better technological solutions can create a robust aging-in-place infrastructure, reduce social isolation, and ensure peace of mind for family caregivers. Contact Details Tuktu Care Inc Rustam Sengupta rustams@tuktu.ca Company Website http://www.tuktu.ca/

May 23, 2024 12:34 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Comcast Announces Major Fiber Network Expansion in UT

Comcast Utah

Comcast announced today it will continue to significantly expand its next-generation Xfinity network across several Utah counties over the next three years. The media and technology company will invest more than $138 million to install hundreds of miles of new fiber highways capable of delivering multi-gigabit speed. The planned expansions add to Comcast’s ongoing $500 million investment in Utah over the last three years. In 2024, Comcast’s fiber network expansion will include communities in the counties of Box Elder, Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, Utah, Wasatch, Weber and Utah County, parts of which already have access to Xfinity and Comcast Business services. These locations will have the foundational next-generation network in place to begin deploying DOCSIS 4.0, setting the stage for the introduction of new symmetrical multi-gigabit Internet options. “Comcast’s $138M multi-gig speed fiber network expansion in Utah is a visionary investment in our state’s future,” said Utah Governor Spencer Cox. “By bolstering our fiber infrastructure, we’re not just enhancing connectivity; we’re future-proofing Utah’s economy and ensuring more Utahns have access to the digital opportunities of tomorrow.” “Reliable high-speed Internet is essential in today’s digital economy, which is why Comcast continues its commitment to connect more Utahns to the moments that matter most,” said J.D. Keller, Senior Vice President, Comcast Mountain West Region. “By establishing the best broadband infrastructure today, we are securing the economic prosperity of these communities for tomorrow.” Comcast’s commitment to new communities goes beyond the build, addressing digital opportunities in communities through Project UP, the company’s $1 billion dollar commitment to help tens of millions of people connect to the Internet and build futures of unlimited possibilities. Last year, Comcast Utah invested more than $4.6 million dollars to help local community organizations provide hands on digital skills training, offer workforce development/readiness workshops and other tech education to students, adults and people with disabilities. The funding also supports ongoing efforts to build awareness about affordable connectivity services like Internet Essentials, which offers eligible households high-speed Internet for $9.95/month or Internet Essentials Plus for $29.95/month. Affordable computers are also available through Internet Essentials. “Comcast’s major fiber network expansion in Tooele heralds a new era of connectivity for Tooele County,” said. Andy Welch, Tooele County Manager. “With this expansion, we’re not just bridging the digital divide; we’re laying the foundation for our community’s future. As the fastest growing county in Utah, Tooele is poised for unprecedented population growth and business development. This investment ensures we have the infrastructure in place to support and empower every resident and entrepreneur as we pay the way for a vibrant, connected future.” Through Project UP, Comcast is partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake to offer youth opportunities to develop the technology skills necessary to compete in today’s competitive workforce and obtain sustainable employment. Over the last two years, Comcast provided $140,000 in cash and in-kind to Utah Boys and Girls Clubs to fund technology training and six community WiFi-connected Lift Zones so families can get online when they need it most. One of those Lift Zones is the Tooele Boys and Girls Clubs, where Comcast is supporting their STEM learning – specifically in Esports. "Comcast's network expansion is pivotal for Tooele Youth," said Amanda Hughes, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake, CEO. "With this project and the new Comcast Lift Zone, we're not just connecting homes; we're overcoming the digital divide. Partnerships – like this one with Comcast – empower our young minds with vital tech skills and ensure access to the tools they need to thrive in today's digital landscape." For more construction details and updates, visit https://utah.comcast.com/network-expansion/ Powered by Xfinity Comcast’s network and Internet experience are powering homes today and into the future. Ultimate Capacity: Xfinity customers connect more than 1 billion devices across the company’s network annually. With the next-generation Xfinity gateways we deliver the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to power streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and more, simultaneously. Fastest Internet: Approximately a third of Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products. Recently Comcast connected the first customers in the world to a DOCSIS 4.0 connection, delivering symmetrical gig speeds over existing connections in customers’ homes with plans to continue to rollout these speeds across the country over the coming years. Unprecedented Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with a powerful WiFi Boost Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas of the home. Most Reliable Connection: Comcast is scaling the nation’s largest and most reliable network that passes 62 million homes and business and counting. The company launched Storm-Ready WiFi, a new device that comes powered with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out. Ultra-Low Latency: The Xfinity network and the latest Xfinity Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home. The Xfinity network is also self-monitoring and uses artificial intelligence to detect potential problems before they arise, delivering a reliable connection that is up and running in customers’ homes 99.9% of the time. For local businesses, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading service providers to the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services. Contact Details Deneiva Knight +1 520-345-9792 deneiva_knight@comcast.com Company Website https://utah.comcast.com/

May 22, 2024 03:00 PM Mountain Daylight Time

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Lash Lift Store Launches Comprehensive Training and Certification Program for Beauty Professionals

Rev Up Marketers

Lash Lift Store, a leading provider of premium lash lift products, is pleased to announce the launch of its new Training and Certification Program. This initiative is designed to equip beauty professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the growing field of lash lifting. Training and Certification Program Overview: The new program offers comprehensive training that covers all aspects of lash lifting, from fundamental techniques to advanced applications. Key features of the program include: In-Depth Online Courses: Convenient online courses that cover theoretical and practical aspects of lash lifting. Hands-On Workshops: Optional hands-on workshops led by experienced lash lift trainers for practical, real-world experience. Certification: Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certification from the Lash Lift Store, recognizing their expertise and proficiency in lash lifting. Ongoing Support: Graduates of the program will have access to ongoing support, including refresher courses, updates on the latest techniques, and a community of fellow professionals. Mike Nielsen, CEO of Lash Lift Store, stated, "We are excited to launch this Training and Certification Program, which reflects our commitment to raising the standards in the beauty industry. By providing comprehensive training and certification, we aim to empower beauty professionals to deliver exceptional lash lift services with confidence and skill." Enrollment and Availability The Training and Certification Program is open to all beauty professionals, from beginners to experienced practitioners looking to enhance their skills. Enrollment is available through the Lash Lift Store website, where participants can find detailed information about the course content, schedules, and fees. About Lash Lift Store Lash Lift Store is dedicated to offering high-quality lash lift products and outstanding customer service. The company is known for its innovation and commitment to excellence, providing beauty professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. For more information about the Training and Certification Program, please visit https://lashliftstore.com/collections/education or contact us via email or phone. Contact Details Lash Lift Store Mike Nielsen +1 801-850-7793 info@lashliftstore.com Company Website https://lashliftstore.com/

May 22, 2024 04:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Leading Lower Middle-Market Specialist Investment Firm Star Mountain Capital Bolsters its Secondaries and Investor Solutions Team Adding Bryan Johnson as a Managing Director Based in Los Angeles

Star Mountain Capital

Star Mountain Capital, LLC (“Star Mountain”), a rapidly growing specialized private credit and secondaries investment firm targeting systematic alpha and low market correlated returns for its global institutional and high-net-worth investors, is pleased to announce that Bryan Johnson has joined as a Managing Director based in Star Mountain’s Los Angeles office, one of its team’s 20+ locations nationwide. With over $4 billion in assets under management (committed capital including debt facilities as of 4/30/24), alignment of interest is a core value of Star Mountain’s investor-centric business, including being 100% employee-owned and sharing investment profits with 100% of its U.S.-based full-time team. Star Mountain is a purpose-built business with one of the largest teams focused on investing in established, profitable, small and medium-sized private U.S. businesses (the “lower middle-market”) which represents approximately 50% of U.S. GDP and one of the potentially most attractive locations for investors to diversify their portfolios. Bryan Johnson has nearly 20 years of leadership experience advising and consulting on strategic investment solutions to some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated wealth managers, family offices and high-net-worth individuals. In addition to his financial expertise, business owners and investors appreciate his seven years of management and operating experience in the semiconductor industry. “We are committed to providing our investors with the best resources and service possible in accessing the benefits of the less efficient and large U.S. lower middle-market which can include a higher cash yield, tax advantages and portfolio constriction benefits of less correlated assets,” said Brett Hickey, Star Mountain Capital Founder & CEO. “We are thrilled for Bryan to join our Los Angeles office and add to our presence on the West Coast where Star Mountain has numerous important investors and investments.” "I've been impressed by Star Mountain's leadership team and the existing client base of sophisticated clients and investors," Mr. Johnson said. "I was also intrigued to learn how large and highly fragmented the lower middle-market is at nearly 50% of the U.S. economy. This presents a great opportunity for investors to target higher potential returns by either providing liquidity to these smaller, yet resilient, businesses or by providing liquidity to other investors through Star Mountain's secondaries platform. Investors may benefit from exposure to this fragmented segment of the market and economy, which many portfolios do not have exposure to. This is also a compelling and timely opportunity due to the expected increase in M& A activity with small businesses due to aging demographics. Star Mountain has a distinctive origination and underwriting platform to capitalize on these opportunities." Most recently, Mr. Johnson spent 15 years in Los Angeles at AQR Capital Management, an alternative investment management firm with over $200 billion in assets under management at its peak, rising from a Vice President to a Managing Director including leading RIA business development on the west coast and strategic relationships nationally. During his tenure, he consulted with RIAs, wealth managers, and single/multi-family offices on sophisticated alternative investments. He joined AQR from Dimensional Fund Advisors, a ~$650 billion asset management firm where he spent three years, most recently as a Regional Director based in Los Angeles. Mr. Johnson began his career at Infineon, a ~$15 billion revenue global semiconductor solutions company, where he held business development and project management roles over the course of a seven-year tenure. He graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and earned an MBA from University of Southern California. Mr. Johnson is FINRA Series 3, 7, 24, 30 and 66 licensed. Mr. Johnson is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder and also holds the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation. He is a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society Los Angeles, which he has lectured for since 2011. About Star Mountain With over $4 billion in assets under management (committed capital including debt facilities as of 5/15/2024), Star Mountain takes a data-driven approach to investing into the North American lower middle-market through two complementary investment strategies: (i) direct debt and equity investing and (ii) secondaries (acquiring LP interests and direct assets and making primary LP commitments). Star Mountain believes these complementary strategies provide data-enhanced, scalable, diversified, and customizable access for its institutional and qualifying high-net-worth investors to established businesses that generally have at least $15 million in annual revenues and under $50 million in EBITDA. Its investors include public pensions, private pensions, insurance companies, commercial banks, endowments, foundations, family offices and high-net-worth individuals. Star Mountain is 100% employee-owned and shares its profits with 100% of its U.S. full-time employees as part of its focus on maximizing value for its stakeholders and investors through alignment of interests. Since 2010, Star Mountain has made over 250 direct investments in businesses and over 45 secondary / fund investments within its Collaborative Ecosystem®, focused on the North American lower middle-market. One of Star Mountain’s specialties is seeking current cash income for investors that is materially above the typical yields found in the public markets, often accompanied with potential long-term capital gains equity returns and low correlation to public markets through its distinctive origination, underwriting and value-added investment capabilities. Star Mountain was recently named one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America. For the fifth straight year, Star Mountain was again named one of the Best Places to Work by Crain’s New York Business as well as once again one of the Best Places to Work by Pensions & Investments. Star Mountain believes its focus and dedication has been productive for job creation and economic development including in underserved areas and communities. Star Mountain is dedicated to this large market of underserved businesses purpose-built to address the challenges and opportunities of these companies. As part of its commitment, Star Mountain has trademarked Investing in the Growth Engine of America ®. Star Mountain’s Charitable Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 focuses on improving lives through economic development, including job creation, health & wellness and cancer research. Notable missions include helping match veterans and women with high quality small and medium-sized business career opportunities across the country, including within Star Mountain’s portfolio. Note: This does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase interests in any investment product. Awards and recognitions by unaffiliated rating services, companies and/or publications should not be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he / she / it will experience a certain level of results if Star Mountain is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services; nor should they be construed as a current or past endorsement, testimonial endorsement, recommendation or referral of Star Mountain or its representatives by any of its clients or any other third party. Rankings published by magazines and others are generally based exclusively on information prepared and / or submitted by the recognized advisor. Moreover, with regard to all performance information contained herein, directly or indirectly, if any, readers should note that past results are not indicative of future results. The description and the selection methodologies of each award and recognition are subjective and will vary. Awards and recognitions by unaffiliated rating services, companies, and/or publications should not be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she/it will experience a certain level of results if SMFM is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services; nor should they be construed as a current or past endorsement, testimonial endorsement, recommendation or referral of SMFM or its representatives by any of its clients or any other third party. Rankings published by magazines and others are generally based exclusively on information prepared and/or submitted by the recognized advisor. Crain’s two-part survey process consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part involved an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Star Mountain must pay a fee to Crain’s only for survey collection purposes. Detailed eligibility criteria can be found here: https://bestcompaniesgroup.com/best-companies-to-work-for-in-new-york/eligibility/ To be named to P&I‘s Best Places list, all firms met Best Companies’ high threshold for inclusion and were evaluated against others of similar size. Individual firm profiles, which were compiled based on survey results, reflect U.S. employment numbers and were confirmed by Best Companies in the summer. Company and employee comments were edited for space, style and clarity. Assets under management or advisement are as of June 30, unless otherwise noted. To participate, companies had to have at least 20 employees in the U.S., at least $100 million of discretionary assets under management or advisement and be in business for at least one year. An anonymous employee survey, which aimed to evaluate employee engagement and satisfaction, accounted for 75% of a firm’s score; an employer survey, which evaluated workplace policies, practices, benefits and demographics, made up 25%. https://bestcompaniesgroup.com/best-places-to-work-in-money-management/eligibility/ Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent--not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies--as of December 31, 2022. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2019 is $100,000; the minimum for 2022 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine rankings were calculated to four decimal places. https://www.inc.com/inc5000/ Contact Details For Star Mountain Capital John Polis Media@StarMountainCapital.com Company Website https://starmountaincapital.com/

May 22, 2024 02:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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